Making the World Saif

Microbiologist Linda Marsch Saif ’69 is tackling world health, one virus at a time

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Team effort

Teamwork, not the pursuit of individual fame or glory, lies at the root of the most effective science, Linda Saif says. When asked about her accomplishments, she quickly credits administrators and each member of her staff, from technicians to secretaries, Wooster I.S. students, graduate students, visiting scholars, and post-docs. Calling Saif "an extraordinarily gifted scientist," OARDC director Steve Slack says, "She makes those around her reach deeper within themselves in order to excel. It is this consistent, relentless drive for excellence that sets her apart."

Graduate students and post-doctoral fellows come from South Korea, China, South America, Japan, and elsewhere to work with Saif. Marli Azevedo earned a master’s degree in Brazil and was looking for a place to further study viral immunology. "I didn’t know that much about Ohio State’s program," she says, "but I knew of Dr. Saif’s work. I called her even before I applied. When she agreed to work with me, that’s when I sent the application." Five years later, as a Ph.D. candidate, Azevedo works with Saif on rotaviruses. "It’s not easy," she admits. "You work very hard and expand yourself to reach a high standard."

In 2002, The Ohio State University names Saif a Distinguished University Professor, the university's highest honor.

Some students keep returning. Anil Parwani ’89, for example, a double major in biology and chemistry at the College, did an I.S. with Saif on viruses in pigs, then came back to her lab for graduate and post-doctoral work. Now a clinical fellow at Johns Hopkins Univers-ity’s School of Medicine, Parwani will join the University of Pittsburgh’s Medical Center this fall as an assistant professor.

"Dr. Saif’s lab feels like one big family," Parwani says. "Different generations pass down her research methodology. The post-docs mentor the graduate students, who assist the I.S. students."

Parwani describes his mentor’s drive. "Dr. Saif does not give up. I remember doing the same experiment twelve times — twelve times! — before we succeeded. Each time it failed, she encouraged us to ask, ‘Why isn’t this working?’ ‘What can we do differently?’" Saif sees each problem as a possibility, rather than an obstacle.

Saif manages several different projects concurrently, yet her lab runs very smoothly, Parwani says. "It’s amazing how one person can keep so many projects going at once, with so many people. Her office might look chaotic, but under that chaos lies an intricate and delicate order." While Saif works with state-of-the-art microscopes and other equipment, she reverts to simpler means when necessary. "She would give us a lab pad full of instructions and a deadline for the results, say, in three days," Parwani explains. "This was before computerized calendars or organizers. But, sure enough, three days later, you would find a sticky note reminding you that your results were due. She kept us on target."

Saif even inspires — and challenges — high school students. Marli Azevedo’s daughter volunteered in Saif’s lab as a Wooster High School senior and worked there last fall as a first-year student at the College. "Once Dr. Saif sees what you’re capable of, you can’t do any less," says Ana Azevedo ’07. Severin Poulin ’07 has worked in the lab since his senior year at Orrville High School. Saif first assigned these young students mundane tasks but soon began treating them like her graduate students. "She has very high expectations," Poulin says. Saif teaches by example, he adds. "She shows us what it’s like to do something that you love."

Saif enjoys the opportunity to advise College of Wooster biology, chemistry, and biochemistry majors on their I.S. projects. These undergraduates are "among my very best students – very motivated, very capable," she says. She recommends Wooster to high school students like Azevedo and Poulin and even accompanied Azevedo and her mother to the College admissions interview.

A liberal arts background provides a good base for a research career, Saif says. "Even in science, it’s very important to write clearly and concisely." At Wooster, the small classes, the fine teaching, and the social opportunities added up to "a very enriching experience," she remembers. Saif enjoyed the chance to do actual research as an undergraduate. She gathered samples on field trips with biology professors Andrew Weaver and Floyd Downs. The professors’ families sometimes came along. Saif liked getting to know her teachers outside of class.

Saif socializes with her own students, organizing trips to a nearby state park or inviting them to her home for a meal or barn dance. "She loves the Macarena," says Ana Azevedo. Agrees Poulin, "She appreciated to have fun."

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